Seven year old becomes RSPCA WA'S first Perth-based Junior Ambassador

Despite his young age, seven-year-old Spencer Parrott is a seasoned animal welfare campaigner – and now he's being recognized as Perth's first ever RSPCA WA Junior Ambassador.

RSPCA WA's Junior Ambassador Scheme is aimed at encouraging and engaging children in animal welfare from a young age.

Spencer will become one of four Junior Ambassadors in WA who will help RSPCA WA promote the organisation's 'Five Freedoms' for all animals great and small - freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury and disease; freedom to express normal behaviour and freedom from fear and distress.

The youngster has proven that big things really do come in small packages – he's been on a crusade against animal cancer during the last six months, after his family received the heart breaking news that their eight month old puppy Molly had terminal cancer.

Determined to do something to help other animals, Spencer decided to create Molly's Walk on November 8, 2015 which has gathered support from the Perth community and helped raise more than $7000 for the Australian Animal Cancer Foundation.

Spencer's mum Karen Parrott said being a Junior Ambassador is his dream come true.

"He's always talked about wanting to be a firefighter or paramedic when he grows up, it's in his nature to care about other people and try to help," Ms Parrott said.

"But since our puppy Molly's battle with cancer, Spencer's whole focus has been on caring for animals; his hero is Dr Chris from Bondi Vet.

"His reaction to finding out about the Junior Ambassador Scheme was so cute – he said to me 'I wonder if I'll be working night shift with them, and will I get a uniform?'

"We are so proud of him and we think he will be a great role model for other children who love animals and want to help RSPCA WA."

Spencer's new role was unveiled at a special assembly at his school, Clifton Hills Primary School in Kelmscott on Friday 4 March at 8.20am.

RSPCA WA Chief Inspector Amanda Swift said the organization was proud to welcome Spencer into the team through the Junior Ambassador Scheme.

"Spencer, our first Perth-based Junior Ambassador, is clearly passionate about caring for animals and we are delighted that he has been chosen by RSPCA WA's Education Team to lead the way in animal welfare amongst his peers and also within the community," Ms Swift said.

"Spencer is living proof that young people have great potential to make a huge impact on their community in the name of animal welfare.

"Only six per cent of our funding comes from the State Government, so we rely heavily on the support of the animal loving community to continue caring for animals in need."

RSPCA WA relies on donations and community support to generate more than 90% of the funds required to sustain its animal protection work, as only six percent is covered by a grant from the State Government.

FACT FILE

RSPCA WA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has been a voice for animals in Western Australia for over 120 years

RSPCA is a charity and relies on fundraising activities more than 90 per cent of its funding.

RSPCA upholds five freedoms for animals and believes all animals deserve freedom from: hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain, injury and disease and also from fear and distress.